How to Do the Perfect Cartwheel: A Step-by-Step Guide from Pinnacle Performing Arts
At Pinnacle Performing Arts, one of the most exciting milestones for young dancers and acrobats is mastering the cartwheel. It’s fun, dynamic, and a foundational movement in many dance and acro routines. But behind the playful spin is a carefully taught skill—one that we break down step-by-step using the internationally recognised Acrobatic Arts syllabus, which we proudly follow in our Toowoomba studio.
Whether your child is new to acro or brushing up on technique, here’s our expert guide to performing the perfect cartwheel.
🌟 Why Cartwheels Matter
Cartwheels aren’t just cool tricks—they build strength, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. As part of our acro dance classes in Toowoomba, we teach cartwheels early on because they support overall physical development and confidence in movement.
🏆 Step-by-Step Cartwheel Guide (Aligned with Acrobatic Arts)
1. Start with the Right Setup
Body position: Stand tall, feet in a lunge, arms stretched up by your ears.
Direction: Choose your dominant side—this is the leg that leads.
Focus: Look straight ahead and keep your body engaged.
2. Reach and Plant Your Hands
Reach forward with both hands in a straight line.
Hands should be placed shoulder-width apart, angled slightly for rotation.
Our students are taught exact hand placement using floor markers and drills from the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.
3. Kick Over in a Controlled Motion
Lead with your dominant leg, kicking it up high and strong.
Your back leg follows, and your hips rotate over the top.
Both legs should stay straight and toes pointed (yes, even in a cartwheel!).
4. Land with Control
Finish facing the opposite direction, landing in a lunge.
Arms stay up, and your core stays engaged for balance.
🎯 What We Focus on at Pinnacle
Using the Acrobatic Arts system, our trained instructors break the cartwheel into achievable progressions. This means we:
Start with drills like bunny hops, handstand preps, and bear walks.
Use mats, visual markers, and spotting when needed for safety.
Build confidence and correct technique gradually—no pressure, just progress.
Safety and technique always come first. We never rush a cartwheel before the foundational strength and form are there.
👧💪 Perfect for All Ages
Whether your child is in preschool acro or part of our primary acrobatic program, the cartwheel is a skill that grows with them. It’s one of the first big “wow” moments for many of our dancers—and we love seeing the pride on their faces when they land it on their own!
🎉 Ready to Learn Cartwheels the Safe and Fun Way?
At Pinnacle Performing Arts, we’re proud to offer Acrobatic Arts-certified classes in Toowoomba, Highfields, and Clifton. Our friendly instructors are here to support your child every step of the way—from their very first forward roll to their most confident cartwheel.
Book a trial class today and see why families across the region choose Pinnacle for acro, dance, and more.
